What Happens If I Get Audited

Chad Dickinson • July 31, 2025

Just hearing the word “audit” is enough to make most taxpayers break into a cold sweat. But what actually happens if you get audited by the IRS? Is it a nightmare scenario or something manageable with the right help?



At Arch Tax, we help clients navigate audits every day—with clarity, confidence, and a game plan. Here’s what you need to know about what happens if you get audited, and how we can support you through the process.

What Is an IRS Audit?

An IRS audit is a review of your financial information and tax return to verify that everything you reported is accurate. Think of it as the IRS double-checking your math… and your paperwork.

There are three types of audits:


  • Correspondence Audit – Done entirely by mail. You send in documents to back up something on your return.
  • Office Audit – You go to an IRS office to answer questions and provide documents.
  • Field Audit – The IRS comes to you—either your home, business, or your accountant’s office.


Why Did I Get Audited?

Most IRS audits are triggered for a few common reasons:


  • Reporting unusually high deductions for your income bracket
  • Failing to report all of your income
  • Random selection (yes, it happens)
  • Math errors or discrepancies on your return
  • Industry red flags (self-employed individuals and cash-heavy businesses get more scrutiny)


What Happens Next?

If you're selected for an audit, here’s what typically happens:


  1. You’ll Receive a Notice
    The IRS sends an official letter outlining what they’re auditing and what documents they want.
  2. You’ll Be Asked to Respond
    You may need to mail in receipts, bank records, 1099s, or other documents—or attend an in-person interview.
  3. They Review Everything
    This can take weeks or even months depending on the complexity.
  4. The IRS Issues a Decision
    You’ll either receive a
    no-change letter (you passed) or a proposed change (you owe more).
  5. You Accept or Appeal
    If you disagree, you can appeal or go to tax court. This is where strong representation really matters.


Why This Can Be a Real Headache

Audits are time-consuming, confusing, and stressful. The IRS isn’t exactly known for clear communication, and one small mistake can lead to major tax bills, penalties, or worse. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and vulnerable—especially if you try to go it alone.


How Arch Tax Helps You Through It

At Arch Tax, we do more than just file paperwork. We fight for you.


Led by licensed tax attorney Chad Dickinson, we specialize in audit defense, tax resolution, and IRS representation. Chad founded Arch Tax after seeing firsthand how big firms mistreat clients—overpromising, underdelivering, and using fear as a sales tactic. We do things differently.

Here’s what you get with us:


  • A calm, step-by-step game plan so you know exactly what to expect
  • Help gathering, organizing, and reviewing all documents
  • Direct communication with the IRS so you don’t have to deal with them alone
  • A personal advocate who truly understands tax law and negotiation
  • Transparency, empathy, and no fear-mongering—just solid help


Don’t Face an Audit Alone

If you're wondering what happens if I get audited, remember this: it’s not the end of the world, but it’s not something you should take lightly either.

Arch Tax is here to help.


Whether you’ve already been contacted by the IRS or just want to be proactive, schedule a free consultation today. We’ll talk through your situation and show you what your options are—no pressure, just real help.


Call us or schedule a free consultation

By Chad Dickinson August 8, 2025
If you filed for an extension, your new tax deadline is October 15, 2025 . That gives you a little extra time — but not much — to get everything in order. Many taxpayers in your shoes consider hiring a professional to help finish the return. But here’s the catch: Not all tax preparers are created equal.  Some are helpful pros. Others? Not so much. Choose the wrong one, and you could risk your refund — or worse, find yourself in a mess with the IRS. Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for when choosing a tax preparer: 1. They Promise Bigger Refunds Than Everyone Else If someone claims they can get you a “huge refund” before they’ve even looked at your documents, that’s a giant red flag. A legitimate preparer doesn’t make promises until they’ve seen the facts. 2. They Want Your Refund Deposited into Their Bank Account Never agree to this. Your refund should be deposited directly into your bank account — not theirs. This is a shady tactic some preparers use to skim fees or delay payments. 3. They Won’t Sign the Return By law, paid preparers must sign your return and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) . If they refuse? Walk away. 4. They Don’t Ask for Records or Receipts Good tax pros ask a lot of questions and request documentation. If someone is willing to prepare your return based only on a pay stub or vague guesses, that’s a problem. 5. They Base Their Fee on Your Refund Size A preparer who charges a percentage of your refund has a financial incentive to fudge the numbers. Reputable pros charge flat or hourly fees — not a cut of your return. 6. They Can’t Be Reached After Tax Season What happens if the IRS sends you a notice in December? Make sure you’re working with someone who’s available year-round — not just from January to April. What You Should Look For A valid PTIN IRS e-file access Transparency in pricing Willingness to review the return with you Available to answer questions even after October Final Tip: You Are Still Responsible No matter who prepares your return, you are legally responsible for what gets filed. Don’t sign a return you haven’t reviewed — and never sign a blank one. Need Help You Can Trust? At Arch Tax, we pride ourselves on transparency , ethics , and experience . We’ve helped hundreds of clients meet their tax deadlines — without the red flags. Let’s make sure your return gets filed right. Schedule a free consultation today!
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